How Ultrasensitive Tests Support Endocrine And Metabolic Disease Drug Development

By Walt Chandler, PhD and Patrice Hugo, PhD, LabCorp Clinical Trials

Endocrine diseases are now a major public health concern, with diabetes alone affecting 382 million people worldwide. Biopharma companies are investing heavily to improve patient care, but the complexities that characterize the endocrine system make drug development a challenge. Ultrasensitive and specific testing methods are essential to address these issues.

California-based Endocrine Sciences, a member of the LabCorp Specialty Testing Group, was among the first diagnostic companies to recognize the importance of highly sensitive testing methods to improve the limits of detection in assays measuring hormones and metabolic functions. Since its inception in 1972, the lab has hired and collaborated with experts in the field of endocrinology to advance new therapeutics through the pipeline and into commercialization. Esoterix bought the laboratory to access this expertise in 1995 and was itself acquired by Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings® (LabCorp) a decade later.